Protective cover and apparatus including the same

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and methods for protecting an information recording device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONS

1. Field of Inventions

The present inventions relate generally to hand-held manual entry information recording devices and to devices that protect information recording devices while the user is recording information.

2. Description of the Related Art

A wide variety of occupations and activities require people to use hand-held information recording devices (also referred to herein as “information recording devices”) to read, record and/or store information. Clipboards, which are commonly used to secure and support paper and preprinted forms, are one example of a non-electronic information recording device that is widely used. Emergency medical technicians (“EMTs”), for example, often manually record information about a patient on a multi-sheet carbon form with a ball-point pen while the form is supported on a clipboard. Athletic coaches also commonly carry clipboards so that they can take notes during a game or practice session. With respect to electronic information recording devices, such as tablet PCs and hand-held data collection and storage devices, the information may be entered using a keyboard, stylus or touch sensitive screen. Such electronic information recording devices are frequently used by meter readers, parking and traffic enforcement officers, law enforcement officers, and factory, delivery and maritime personnel.

The present inventor has determined that ambient conditions, both indoors and outdoors, can lead to a number of difficulties for people using information recording devices. Rain, sleet, wind, snow, hail, splashes, splatters, etc. can hinder the information recordation process and/or damage the information recording device and, if present, the paper or other recording media carried thereon. In the exemplary case of EMTs, the aforementioned forms are frequently filled out at outdoor accident cites during inclement weather. Not only is it difficult fill out such a form in then rain or snow, the associated moisture can damage the form and, should the EMT who is filling out the form be needed to assist with treatment, the clipboard and form may have to be left unprotected or stuffed under the EMTs clothing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONS

A cover in accordance with a present invention includes a substantially transparent top panel as well as bottom, side and end panels. The side and end panels are movable between a collapsed orientation and an expanded orientation where the distance between the top and bottom panels is such that the information recording device and a user's hand may be placed within an internal storage region. An apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of a present invention includes such a cover and an information recording device.

Such inventions are advantageous for a variety of reasons. For example, the cover may be used to protect an information recording device from the elements while the user is recording information. The cover may also be used to protect the information recording device when it is not in use.

The above described and many other features of the present inventions will become apparent as the inventions become better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Detailed descriptions of exemplary embodiments of the inventions will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a cover in accordance with one embodiment of a present invention in a collapsed and closed orientation.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the cover illustrated in FIG. 1 in an expanded orientation.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the cover illustrated in FIG. 1 in the collapsed and closed orientation.

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the cover illustrated in FIG. 1 in a collapsed and partially open orientation.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the cover illustrated in FIG. 1 in an expanded orientation, in combination with a clipboard, in accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.

FIG. 6 is a section view of a portion of the cover and clipboard combination illustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the cover and clipboard combination illustrated in FIG. 5 in use.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the cover and clipboard combination illustrated in FIG. 5 in a collapsed and closed orientation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The following is a detailed description of the best presently known modes of carrying out the inventions. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the inventions. The present inventions are also applicable to a wide variety of information recording devices. One particularly relevant example of such an information recording device is a clipboard and, accordingly, the illustrated embodiments of the present inventions are discussed primarily in the context of clipboards. The present inventions are not, however, limited to clipboards and may be used in combination with, or include, other information recording devices that currently exist, or are yet to be developed. For example, the present inventions are applicable to tablet PCs and hand-held data collection and storage devices.

As illustrated for example in FIGS. 1 and 2, a cover 100 in accordance with one embodiment of a present invention includes a top panel 102, a bottom panel 104, two side panels 106, a rear end panel (or “rear panel”) 108 and a flap 110. The panels 102-108 are positioned relative to one another such that the cover 100 defines a closed structure with a front end opening (“or front opening”) 112 and a storage region 114 therein for an information recording device. The flap 110 is adjacent to the front opening 112. The side and rear panels 106 and 108 are provided with creases 116 that allow the cover to be consistently moved from the collapsed orientation illustrated in FIG. 1, to the expanded orientation illustrated in FIG. 2, and back. Turning to FIGS. 3 and 4, a stop member 118 is also provided at the front opening 112. The exemplary cover 100 is also provided with a closure mechanism 120 that secures a portion of the interior surface 122 of the flap 110 to the exterior surface 124 of the bottom panel 104. Each of the above-described aspects of the exemplary cover 100 is discussed in greater detail below.

Generally speaking, the exemplary cover 100 preferably has an overall rigidity that allows the cover to maintain the shape illustrated in FIG. 2 after being unfolded. Although the side panels 106 may deflect slightly at the front opening 112 because there is no panel for support, as there is at the end of the cover 100 defined by the rear panel 108, the user's forearm (or hand in the case of covers for smaller devices) will prop up the cover near the opening as is discussed below with reference to FIG. 7. It should also be noted that the overall rigidity of the exemplary cover 100 is low enough to allow the cover to be additionally folded, beyond the collapsed orientation illustrated in FIG. 1, for storage in a glove compartment, tool box, or other small space. For example, the cover 100 may be folded one or more times about the X-axis. The cover 100 is also weatherproof in that the materials selected for the panels 102-108 and flap 110 do not allow moisture to pass through the panels and flap.

The clipboard, electronic data collection and storage device, or other information recording device that is located within the storage region 114 will be viewed primarily through the top panel 102. As such, the top panel 102 should be at least substantially transparent, i.e. have a degree of transparency that allows the user to readily observe the information recording device and record information thereon, and is preferably clear. In the case of a clipboard, for example, the level of transparency should be sufficient to allow the user to read a printed form and/or write information onto the form. Although the present inventions are not limited to any particular materials and thicknesses, suitable materials for the top panel 102 include clear waterproof plastics such as clear vinyl and other polyvinyl chloride materials that are about 0.005 inch thick.

The bottom panel 104, on the other hand, need not be transparent because it will typically be under the information recording device stored within the cover 100. Thus, although a bottom panel could be transparent if desired, the exemplary bottom panel 104 is substantially opaque and is colored (e.g. blue) so that it can be readily distinguished from the top panel 102. Colored material also provides an aesthetic benefit in that scratches are less visible on colored material than on clear material. Although the present inventions are not limited to any particular materials or thicknesses, suitable materials for the bottom panel 104 include waterproof plastics such as vinyl and other polyvinyl chloride materials that are about 0.005 to 0.010 inch thick.

The level of transparency of the side and rear panels 106 and 108 will typically depend on the intended application of the cover. The exemplary cover 100 is provided with semi-opaque, textured side and rear panels 106 and 108. The texture of both of the side panels 106 and the rear panel 108, which is a function of surface discontinuities on the side and rear panels, prevents the information recording device within the storage region 114 from being observed through the side and rear panels. This aspect of the exemplary cover 100 is especially important in those situations where the information being recorded is confidential (e.g. the medical and personal data recorded by an EMT). However, the texturing of the semi-opaque side and rear panels 106 and 108 will preferably be such that sufficient light passes therethrough to facilitate observation of the information recording device through the top panel 102 and to prevent extensive shadowing within the storage region 114. The uneven surface associated with the texturing also prevents the portions of the side and rear panels 106 and 108 on opposite sides of the creases 116 from sticking to one another, and from sticking to the top and bottom panels 102 and 104, when the cover 100 is collapsed in the manner illustrated in FIG. 1 for storage. If desired, the semi-opacity of the side and rear panels may be provided in other ways, such as using colored materials.

It should be noted that there may be instances where side and rear panels which are at least substantially transparent (and, preferably, clear) are desired. In those situations where the user prefers that other people be able to see the data recorded on the information recording device from a variety of positions relative to the user, substantially transparent side and rear panels 106 and 108 may be provided. A clipboard being used by an athletic coach is one example of such a situation.

Whether semi-opaque or at least substantially transparent, the side and rear panels 106 and 108 also perform the function of holding the cover 100 in the expanded orientation illustrated in FIG. 2. To that end, the side and rear panels 106 and 108 in the illustrated embodiment are at least rigid enough to maintain the cover 100 in the open orientation when the user expands the cover. The side and rear panels 106 and 108 (as well as the top and bottom panels) should also be flexible enough to allow the cover 100 to be folded for storage. As such, the side panels 106 may deflect slightly at the front opening 112 because there is no panel for support, as there is at the end of the cover 100 defined by the rear panel 108. However, as noted above, the user's forearm (or hand in the case of covers for smaller devices) will prop up the cover 100 near the opening 112. Although the present inventions are not limited to any particular materials or thicknesses, suitable materials for the side and rear panels 106 and 108 include waterproof plastics such as vinyl, other polyvinyl chloride materials, that is about 0.005 to 0.010 inch thick. Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the side and rear panels 106 and 108 together define a unitary structure that is bent at the side/rear panel intersections during assembly. Separate panels that are secured to one another during assembly may, alternatively, be employed. In either case, the creases 116 may be formed by scoring or other suitable methods.

The flap 110 serves a number of purposes. During use, the flap 110 prevents rain, snow, etc. from gaining access into the storage region 114 while information is being recorded, as discussed with reference to FIG. 7 below. The flap 100 may also be used to close the opening 112 when the cover 100 is in the collapsed orientation, as discussed below with reference to FIG. 8. The top panel 102 and flap 110 may be a unitary structure (as shown), with the line of demarcation between the two being at the longitudinal ends of the side panels 106, or may be separate structural elements that are secured to one another. Because the flap 110 is not directly secured to (or supported by) the side members 106, the flap 110 will hang in the manner illustrated in FIG. 2 when the cover 100 is open and not in use.

Turning to FIG. 6, the stop member 118 prevents the exemplary clipboard 300, or other information recording device, from sliding out of the cover 100. The exemplary stop member 118 includes a rigid L-shaped support 126 that is carried at the end of the bottom panel 104 adjacent to the opening 112. The support 126 extends parallel to the edge of the bottom panel 104 that is coextensive with the opening 112 and may simply be glued, or otherwise mechanically attached, to the inner surface of bottom panel. In the illustrated embodiment, the support 126 is located within a pocket that is created by folding a portion of the bottom panel 104 around the support 126 and then securing the free end 128 of the bottom panel to another portion of the bottom panel at a weld 130. The lateral edges of the portion of the bottom panel 104 around the support 126 are also sealed during the assembly process, which is discussed below. Suitable materials for the support 126 include plastics and metals.

It should also be noted that the flexibility of the bottom panel 104 and the rigidity of the L-shaped support 126 create a hinge area 132 (FIG. 6) that extends along the weld 130. The hinge area 132 allows the user to pivot the stop member 118 relative to the bottom panel 104 while placing an information storage device into the cover 100 or removing it therefrom.

As illustrated for example in FIGS. 3 and 4, and although the present inventions are not limited to any particular closure mechanism, the exemplary closure mechanism 120 consists of a pair of hook and loop fasteners 134 a and 134 b that are respectively carried on the interior surface 122 of the flap 110 to the exterior surface 124 of the bottom panel 104. Hook and loop fastener material is commonly sold under the trade name Velcro®. In order to allow the cover 100 to accommodate information recording devices of varying thicknesses while the flap 110 is secured to the bottom panel 104, the fastener 134 a is an elongate strip. The fastener 134 b, which can be secured at any location along the length of the fastener 134 a, is circular in shape. The fastener 134 b may, alternatively, also be an elongate strip. Other exemplary closure mechanisms include buttons, snaps, and any other suitable instrumentality.

Covers in accordance with the present inventions may be any size and shape that is suitable for the intended application. The exemplary cover 100 is configured to be used in combination with a conventional clipboard and to allow an adult person to position their hand within the storage region 114 and write on blank paper or forms carried on the clipboard with a conventionally sized ball-point pen. A typical clipboard is about 12.5 inches long, about 8.75 inches wide, and about 0.125 inch thick. To that end, when in the expanded state, the exemplary cover 100 defines an overall rectangular shape that is about 6.5 inches high, about 9 inches wide and about 13 inches long (measured from the rear panel 108 to the opening 112). The flap 110 is about 5 inches long. The stop member 118 is about 0.875 inch by about 0.875 inch and has a length that is substantially the same as the width of the cover, i.e. about 9 inches.

The exemplary cover 100 may be assembled in any suitable manner. In those instances where the cover is formed from a plurality of panels, as is the case in the illustrated embodiment, the top and bottom panels 102 and 104 may be welded (e.g. RF welded) to the side and rear panels 106 and 108.

As illustrated for example in FIG. 5, an information recording assembly 200 includes the exemplary cover 100 and the aforementioned clipboard 300 within the storage region 114. The clipboard 300, which is carrying a form 302, is prevented from sliding out of the cover 100, which is in the expanded state, by the stop member 118. Tuming to FIG. 7, the dimensions of the cover 100 and clipboard 300 insure that there is sufficient room for a user to insert his or her hand, while holding a pen in a normal writing position, and write information onto the form 302. The flap 110 will also rest upon the user's arm while the user is writing. So positioned, the flap 110 will prevent rain, snow, etc. moving in the direction generally indicated by arrow A from entering the cover 100 by way of the opening 112 and damaging the form 302 or otherwise interfering with the information recordation process.

Turning to FIG. 8, the cover 100 may be collapsed with the clipboard 300 and form 302 therein. The flap 110 may also be secured to the exterior surface of the bottom panel 104 with the closure mechanism 120 in order to seal the cover and prevent moisture from entering the storage region 114. Should a person filling out the exemplary form 302 in inclement weather need to move on to another task (e.g. an EMT who is called on to help with treatment), the cover 100 can be easily collapsed and sealed with the clipboard 300 or other information recording device stored therein.

It should also be noted that, in the context of storing an information recording device within a cover, the term “collapsed” includes those situations where the cover may not be completely collapsed because of the thickness of the information storage device. For example, some clipboards are relatively thick because they include a form storage compartment. As noted above with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the closure mechanism 120 is configured to accommodate variations in information storage device thickness.

In the exemplary assembly 200, the cover 100 and clipboard 300 are not connected to one another so that the clipboard can be readily removed from the cover. Other implementations may be configured such that the clipboard (or other information recording device) is temporarily/removably secured within the cover, through the use Velcro® other suitable instrumentalities, or such that the clipboard (or other information recording device) is permanently secured to, and within, the cover.

Although the inventions disclosed herein have been described in terms of the preferred embodiments above, numerous modifications and/or additions to the above-described preferred embodiments would be readily apparent to one skilled in the art. By way of example, but not limitation, the inventions include any combination of the elements from the various species and embodiments disclosed in the specification that are not already described. It is intended that the scope of the present inventions extend to all such modifications and/or additions and that the scope of the present inventions is limited solely by the claims set forth below. 

1. A cover for use with an information recording device, the cover comprising: a substantially transparent top panel; a bottom panel; and first and second side panels and an end panel between the top and bottom panels; the top, bottom and side panels together defining an end opening and an internal storage region; the side and end panels being movable between a collapsed orientation where the top panel is adjacent to the bottom panel and an expanded orientation where the distance between the top and bottom panels is such that the information recording device and a user's hand may be placed within the internal storage region.
 2. A cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bottom panel is substantially opaque.
 3. A cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bottom panel is colored.
 4. A cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the side and rear panels is textured.
 5. A cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the side and rear panels is semi-opaque.
 6. A cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the side panels and the rear panel are sufficiently rigid to maintain the cover in the expanded orientation.
 7. A cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the side panels and the rear panel include respective creases about which the side panels and the rear panel fold when the side panels and the rear panel move from the expanded orientation to the collapsed orientation.
 8. A cover as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a flap extending from the top panel.
 9. A cover as claimed in claim 8, further comprising: a closure mechanism adapted to releasably secure a portion of the flap to a portion of the bottom panel.
 10. A cover as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: an end stop associated with bottom panel and positioned adjacent to the end opening.
 11. A cover as claimed in claim 10, wherein the end stop is substantially rigid.
 12. An apparatus, comprising: an information recording device; and a cover including a substantially transparent top panel, a bottom panel, and first and second side panels and an end panel between the top and bottom panels; the top, bottom and side panels together defining an end opening and an internal storage region; the side and end panels being movable between a collapsed orientation where the top panel is adjacent to the bottom panel and an expanded orientation where the distance between the top and bottom panels is such that the information recording device and a user's hand may be placed within the internal storage region.
 13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the bottom panel is substantially opaque.
 14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the bottom panel is colored.
 15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein at least one of the side and rear panels is textured.
 16. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein at least one of the side and rear panels is semi-opaque.
 17. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the side panels and the rear panel are sufficiently rigid to maintain the cover in the expanded orientation.
 18. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the side panels and the rear panel include respective creases about which the side panels and the rear panel fold when the side panels and the rear panel move from the expanded orientation to the collapsed orientation.
 19. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12, further comprising: a flap extending from the top panel.
 20. An apparatus as claimed in claim 19, further comprising: a closure mechanism adapted to releasably secure a portion of the flap to a portion of the bottom panel.
 21. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12, further comprising: an end stop associated with bottom panel and positioned adjacent to the end opening.
 22. An apparatus as claimed in claim 21, wherein the end stop is substantially rigid.
 23. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the information recording device comprises a clipboard.
 24. A method, comprising the steps of: expanding a cover including a substantially transparent top panel, a bottom panel, and first and second side panels and an end panel between the top and bottom panels; and positioning a information recording device within the cover.
 25. A method as claimed in claim 24, the expanding step is performed prior to the positioning step.
 26. A method as claimed in claim 24, further comprising the step of: collapsing the cover with the information recording device positioned within the cover.
 27. A method as claimed in claim 26, wherein the cover defines an opening, the method further comprising the step of: closing the opening with a flap. 